The Christmas holiday season is shaping up to be quite the travel rush for many residents of Hong Kong as they flock to nearby destinations for snowy experiences. Reports indicate a significant surge, with companies organizing short-haul tours seeing bookings rise by as much as 30%, restoring numbers to pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, those catering to long-haul travel are still struggling to attract customers.
According to the Travel Industry Council, the appeal of economical short-haul packages has taken precedence over luxury vacations this year. Most travelers are opting for destinations such as Japan, South Korea, and northeastern mainland China, areas famed for their picturesque winter settings. Fanny Yeung Shuk-fan, the executive director of the council, noted, “The most popular destinations are Japan, South Korea, and northeastern mainland China. People tend to look for a white Christmas.”
During the holiday season, from December 21 to January 1, the Immigration Department estimates over 13 million passenger trips, encompassing both local residents and visitors, will pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land, and air control points. This influx reflects growing confidence among travelers and the restoration of flight capacities following the pandemic.
The atmosphere at the Hong Kong International Airport and the West Kowloon cross-border high-speed rail terminus has been described as busier than usual. On recent travel days, long queues were visible, with waiting times for security checks extending upward of two hours at one point. To avoid the rush, many passengers arrived hours early—some as early as 8 AM for flights scheduled later.
One traveler, Eunice So, expressed excitement as she prepared for her first trip to Beijing along with her family. She stated, “I have never been to Beijing. It’s famous.” With plans to visit iconic sites such as the Forbidden City and Universal Studios, they aim to enjoy their holiday without the stress of last-minute travel planning.
On the other hand, Benny Ng Nga-Chi and his wife planned for festive gatherings and local food during their three-day excursion to Huizhou, Guangdong. The couple listed karaoke as their main attraction, illustrating the variety of holiday experiences being sought by travelers this season.
Despite the noticeable increase of travelers, some voiced concerns about the congestion at the airport and other transportation hubs. One anonymous traveler whose flight was set for 1 PM shared their worry, echoing the experiences of many who were surprised by the crowds and the amount of time they needed to navigate through the airport.
While the travel scene has become increasingly lively, Hong Kong itself hasn’t been left out of the festive spirit. The city offers delightful new attractions perfect for holiday outings. From vibrant decorations to themed commercial activities, there are ample locations for families and individuals to revel in the season outside their travel plans.
Christmas nostalgia can be felt along Pottinger Street, where colorful stalls line both sides of one of the city’s oldest streets, enhancing the festive cheer with traditional ornaments and decorations for sale. The atmosphere is lively, filled with jingles from nearby trams as visitors stroll through the area, capturing memories and stunning selfies with every turn.
This surge of travelers indicates not just the popularity of geographical escapes but also highlights the emerged desire among families and friends to reconnect after years of limited travel options. The joy of celebrating the holiday away from one’s usual surroundings appears to be rekindling familial bonds and creating new experiences for many.
For those preferring to stay festive within the city, Hong Kong is also hosting numerous Christmas events. The city’s skyline lights up with holiday displays, providing locals and visitors alike with ample opportunities to experience both the traditional and contemporary views of Christmas.
With the holiday season just around the corner, it's evident this year will be filled with travel stories and cherished moments. Hong Kong’s airport and borders are buzzing, promising countless adventures await those ready to explore. Families will set off to vision snowy landscapes, seeking memories to sustain them long after the holiday lights dim.
